Concerns mount over suspected bird flu outbreak in Kuttanad

The poultry farmers in Kuttanad are once again facing a festive-season nightmare as unexplained deaths of chickens and ducks raise fears of a looming bird flu outbreak in the region.

Widespread deaths of broiler chickens and ducks in farms across western Kottayam have cast a shadow over the festive cheer. Official reports indicate around 5,000 chicken deaths within the limits of the Kottayam municipality so far. However, farmers claim the actual toll is likely double that figure, with significant losses reported in Vaikom, Manjoor, and Thiruvarppu.

Amid rising concerns about a potential avian influenza outbreak, the Animal Husbandry department has launched an investigation. Samples have been collected and sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal for analysis to determine the cause of the deaths.

Quail deaths

Official data reveals that one farmer reported a loss of approximately 5,000 chickens, while another reported 350 deaths in wards 37 and 38 of the Kottayam municipality. While additional deaths have been noted in Vaikom, Ullala, Chengalam, and Thiruvarppu, officials clarified that no formal reports have yet been received from these areas. Meanwhile, quail deaths have been confirmed in Manjoor.

Many of the affected deaths occurred in integrated chicken farms operating under contract arrangements, where companies from Tamil Nadu supply chicks, feed, and other resources, and reclaim the birds once they reach maturity. Animal Husbandry officials noted that farmers involved in these arrangements typically rely solely on the companies for support, often bypassing departmental assistance.

Bird flu not confirmed

Although bird flu has not been confirmed, the officials highlighted the significant presence of migratory birds in affected areas. “Historically, outbreaks tend to coincide with the arrival of migratory birds. November through March is their peak migration season, making this region particularly vulnerable,” an official explained.

Authorities have already alerted poultry farmers in the region and advised them to implement precautionary measures. For farmers raising birds for Christmas and New Year celebrations, any outbreak could mean severe economic losses. Last year, a strict ban on poultry products from September to December was imposed to contain the disease.